New Robots Designed to Shoo off the Homeless + More Topics to Discuss Over Brunch

Here's a handful of Bay Area stories you may have missed this week.

Security robots are being used to ward off San Francisco's homeless population, TechCrunch

Homelessness is a hot-button topic in the Bay Area, where an ever-growing population of sidewalk dwellers has inspired a swell of sympathy but is also taking flack for the increase in crime. In response to recent break-ins and vandalism, the SF SPCA hired a new form of security: a robot whose mission is to deter homeless people from setting up camp outside its walls. As you can imagine, there's been a backlash from the community and the city in response. Read more.

In the Central Valley, boxing is a tradition that dates back before California was even a state. Historically, the sport was dominated by men, but today, lady boxers—teenage girls, at that—are taking the ring. Some are even training for the Olympics. Read more.

'Head Over Heels' Sets Sights on Broadway, After San Francisco, NY Times

If you remember the '80s, then you remember the hit song "We Got the Beat." Next spring, look for the pre-Broadway production in San Francisco of "Head Over Heels," a wild musical mashup of poppy Go-Gos tunes and 16th Century romance. Michael Mayer directs, and Gwyneth Paltrow and Donovan Leitch are lead producers. Read more.

Quakes and Fires? It's the Cost of Living That Californians Can't Stomach, NY Times

A barrage of quakes and fires constantly leave Californians reeling, but that hasn't stopped us from trying as we might to continue to make life work in the Golden State. But natural disasters aren't to blame for the city's current exodus. Read more.